Summer & Winter Solstice

Bridging physical public art and digital environmental science to make the invisible forces of nature visible.

Industry: Arts, Culture & Environmental Education

Services Used: Augmented Reality (AR) Development, Interactive Media, Mobile Integration

Tech Stack: AR Filters, Lens Studio and  3D Modelling

Collaborators: Marian Hester & Unisa Art Walk Initiative

The Challenge

Complex environmental science concepts, such as solar energy engineering, planetary heating and cooling, plant growth cycles, and “canopy shyness” (the phenomenon where trees of the same height leave space for neighbouring trees), are often invisible to the naked eye. While traditional public art can spark curiosity, adding an interactive, educational layer requires bridging the physical and digital worlds to make these hidden ecological systems tangible and engaging for the public.

The Solution

Supermalome collaborated with artist Marian Hester to develop custom Augmented Reality (AR) filters for their acclaimed 2023 installation, Summer Solstice and Winter Solstice.
 
The physical installation features large steel shade awnings designed to use natural solar angles at noon to cast precise shadows: the Summer Solstice awning casts a crisp shadow of a tree canopy (highlighting canopy shyness) on 21 December, while the Winter Solstice awning casts shadows of stylised subterranean tree roots against a wall on 21 June.
 
Supermalome’s role was to build the digital layer. We developed interactive AR filters that allow visitors to point their mobile devices at the physical installations, unlocking hidden digital visualisations, ecological data, and interactive narratives that explain the biology and environmental science behind the shadows.

The Impact

This project successfully transformed a static public art installation into a dynamic, interactive educational experience.
  • Making the Invisible, Visible: We gave the public a digital “lens” to see the hidden biological and ecological data (root systems, canopy dynamics, solar angles) that the physical artwork represents.
  • Cross-Disciplinary Innovation: We proved that immersive technology can seamlessly merge with fine art and environmental science to create memorable, community-facing experiences.
  • Public Engagement: By leveraging technology that visitors already have in their pockets (smartphones), we lowered the barrier to entry, allowing anyone at the Art Walk to instantly engage with complex ecological concepts in a fun, accessible way.
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